Frequently Asked Questions
ASE Automobile - Advanced Engine Performance Specialist (Test L1)
What's the L1 test? The Automobile - Advanced Engine Performance Specialist (L1) is an advanced level
certification from ASE. It is geared toward technicians who perform diagnosis and repairs on the emission
control systems of modern automobiles and light trucks.
What's new about the L1 test content? Some questions on the L1 test require the use of a Composite Vehicle
Reference Booklet. ASE will introduce a new Composite Vehicle Type 4 (CV4) Reference Booklet which will be
used exclusively on all L1 exams starting in January 2016.
When will the new L1 test using the new composite vehicle be offered? ASE will offer the new L1 test
beginning in January 2016. Anyone meeting the prerequisite requirements may register to take the new L1
test. However, test results will NOT be provided at the test center; they will be available after the close of the
Spring testing window.
How many questions are on the new L1 test, and how long do I have to take it?
 Winter 2016: Starting January 2016, all ASE L1 and L1R tests will require the use of the new
Automobile - Advanced Engine Performance Specialist (L1) Composite Vehicle Type 4 (CV4) Reference
Booklet. Tests will be 75 questions and have a 180 minute (3-hour) time limit. Test results will NOT be
provided at the test center.
 Spring 2016: The ASE L1 and L1R tests will require the use of the new Automobile - Advanced Engine
Performance Specialist (L1) Composite Vehicle Type 4 (CV4) Reference Booklet. Tests will be 75
questions and have a 180 minute (3-hour) time limit. Test results will NOT be provided at the test
center.
 Summer 2016 and later: The L1 and L1R tests will require the use of the new Automobile - Advanced
Engine Performance Specialist (L1) Composite Vehicle Type 4 (CV4) Reference Booklet. The L1 test will
be 60 questions (50 scored) and have a 135 minute (2-hour and 15 minute) time limit. The L1R test will
be 50 questions and have a 120 minute (2-hour) time limit. Instant results will be available at the test
center for L1 and L1R test takers.
Will I get a score report at the test center?
 Winter & Spring 2016: No. Unlike the process for other ASE tests, technicians taking the new L1 test
during this time will not receive a pass/fail score report at the test center. Instead, they will receive a
simple "notice of completion." Their L1 test result in myASE will show "Score Pending." ASE and
Prometric will perform statistical analyses, identify the scored questions, and establish the passing
score for the test. Technicians will receive an email informing them that the results have been posted
to their myASE account. A score report will also be available at myASE. This process will be completed
after the close of the Spring testing window.
 Summer 2016 and later: Yes. L1 test takers will receive a pass/fail score report at the test center.
How much will the new L1 test cost? The fees for the new L1 test will be the same as other ASE Advanced
Level tests.
Is there a work experience requirement to become L1 certified? Yes. To become ASE L1 certified, technicians
must pass the L1 test and provide evidence of THREE years of relevant, hands-on working experience.
Technicians can take the L1 test before they have the required experience, but they will not receive a
certificate until they have submitted proof of work experience.
Is there a prerequisite requirement to become L1 certified? Yes. To register for the Advanced Engine
Performance Specialist (L1) certification test, you must have passed the Automobile Engine Performance (A8)
test. To register for the recertification version, the Advanced Engine Performance Specialist (L1R)
recertification test, you must have previously passed the regular L1 test.
What's covered in the new Composite Vehicle Type 4 (CV4) Reference Booklet? The CV4 booklet includes:
 A table of contents
 Descriptions of operation for the systems on the Composite Vehicle
 Input and output descriptions and specifications, including sensor voltage charts
 Descriptions of the Composite Vehicle operating modes
 Scan tool data chart
 Pin/Component cross reference chart
 Electrical schematic
 Vehicle systems cutaway drawing
What new technical content is covered in the Composite Vehicle Type 4 (CV4) Reference Booklet?
The new Composite Vehicle Type 4 (CV4) Reference Booklet includes up-to-date technology, such as:
 enhanced fuel pump control
 air/fuel ratio sensor input for fuel delivery
 upgraded knock sensing capability
 EVAP system enhancement, including engine-off natural vacuum leak detection
 enhanced scan tool data PIDs
 a variable valve lift control system
 a new 6-speed automatic transmission, complete with a shift solenoid/clutch apply chart
The new CV 4 Reference Booklet features a table of contents, improved grouping of system information, an
expanded index for the larger wiring schematic, and an updated numbering system for the pins in the
schematic.
How many test questions will be based on the new Composite Vehicle Type 4 (CV4) Reference Booklet?
When the L1 test is fully operational In Summer 2016, the test will consist of 50 % generic questions and 50 %
of the questions will be based on the new Composite Vehicle Type 4 Reference Booklet. The Composite Vehicle
Type 4 (CV4) Reference Booklet will be required to answer these questions. Prior to taking the exam, test
takers should spend time becoming familiar with the layout, systems, charts, and schematics in the CV4
booklet.
What test preparation information is available for the new L1 test? Two resources are available for the L1
Test. You can download (PDF) versions or order paper copies from www.ase.com. The ASE Test Information
for the Advanced Engine Performance Specialist Test (L1) Study Guide contains the test specifications, task list,
glossary, sample questions, and training resources. The Composite Vehicle Type 4 Reference Booklet is used to
answer a portion of questions on the exam. This document contains descriptions of system operation, wiring
schematics, sensor data charts, actuator and input descriptions, as well as operating mode descriptions. A
clean copy of the Composite Vehicle Type 4 (CV4) Reference Booklet will be available in paper format at the
testing center.
Where's the new L1 test given? The L1 test will be given at Prometric test centers (including Satellite sites),
just like other ASE tests.
Can I take other ASE tests at the same time as the new L1 test? Yes. Anyone who wishes to purchase
additional tests may do so by paying the additional test fees. Due to the extra length of the L1 test offered in
Winter/Spring 2016, we recommend that technicians schedule a stand-alone appointment.
Will I receive an insignia if I pass the new L1 test? Yes. When technicians pass an L1 exam for the first time
and have had their work experience approved by ASE, they will receive a certificate and an insignia that
identify them as an ASE Certified Advanced Level Specialist. Technicians who recertify in L1 will receive a
certificate indicating that they have recertified. Extra patches can be purchased at www.ase.com/store.